25/150: World Wildlife Day – Even though we are microscopic we are still wildlife!

The predatory plant mite Typhlodromus pyri is just one of thousands of species belonging to the family Phytoseiidae (Order: Mesostigmata). While mesostigs encompass a number of predators, parasites, and plant feeders, the Phytoseiidae are mainly predators of other small invertebrates, but some also eat pollen and fungi. Because of their strong tendency towards predation they are often used for biocontrol in agricultural settings, and Typhlodromus pyri is no exception. It lives on the surface of plants and is known to munch on the two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the apple rust mite (Aculus schlechtendali), two agricultural pests of serious economic importance. There are 31 specimens of Typhlodromus pyri with barcodes on BOLD, and yet there are more than 2000 Phytoseiidae mites with barcodes. This is testament to the incredible diversity of species within the group, which is characterized by a vase-shaped anal plate on its ventral side. #Canada150 #Biodiversity150

24/150: 50 pairs of shoes? That’s a lot of footwear for a centipede

Centipede means “100 legs”, but despite the name they can have as little as 15 to as many as 177 pairs of legs! They also vary in size from 4 mm to over 30 cm based on the species of centipede. They prefer habitats that are damp and dark but are usually nocturnal meaning they are most active at night time. Using their long antennas for sensing and venom for paralysis they are able to hunt spiders, worms and even other centipedes! Lithobius forficatus, known as the brown centipede, was introduced to North America from Europe. It can range in size from 18 mm to 30 mm and are usually found in the top layers of soil as well as under rocks and rotting logs. They are born with only 7 pairs of legs gaining a new pair every time they molt within their 5 to 6 year life span. They are thankfully harmless to humans and can be found in gardens and forests across Canada. #Canada150 #Biodiversity150